Appetizer recipe collection

Daube glace: the classic New Orleans cold beef aspic from Louisiana Creole tradition. Shredded pot roast suspended in jellied savory consomme with celery, lemon, and Tabasco. A summer Creole appetizer.

Thai devilled crab salad stuffed into Roma tomato halves with lemongrass, fish sauce, lime juice, mint, and chili. A no-cook, elegant appetizer with bold Southeast Asian flavor.

Dill pickles brine whole cucumbers in a hot vinegar, water, and salt solution with garlic and fresh dill. Old-fashioned canning jar pickles ready to crack open in 3 to 4 weeks.

Dolmades yialandzi are Greek stuffed grape leaves filled with herbed rice, dill, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. A vegetarian meze served cold as an appetizer or light main course.

Dried tomato crostini with sun-dried and fresh tomatoes, olives, capers, balsamic vinegar, and garlic on toasted baguette. An Italian bruschetta-style appetizer with optional melted cheese.

Homemade duck sauce from peach preserves, white vinegar, fresh ginger, and scallions. Four ingredients, 20 minutes, and far better than the takeout packets.

Toasted pita chips split, cut, and bake pita bread into crisp triangles for dips, soups, and lunchboxes. Two ingredients, eight-minute bake, much better than store-bought.

Easy quesadillas layer refried beans, Mexican cheese blend, and taco sauce between flour tortillas, microwaved until melty. A 10-minute snack or appetizer for game day, kids, or late-night cravings.

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Easy Mexican salsa from a can of tomato sauce, crushed red chiles, cumin, and oregano with garlic and a hit of vinegar and lemon. Vegan, low-cal, ready in 5 minutes.

Imam bayildi, Turkish stuffed eggplant braised in olive oil with a tomato, onion, currant, and allspice filling. Served cold after chilling overnight.

Eggplant relish with baked eggplant, hard-boiled egg, green pepper, and onion ground together with vinegar and garlic. A cold Eastern European-style spread for bread and crackers.

Smoky roasted eggplant spread with cumin, coriander, and fresh herbs. This low-fat appetizer dip is baked until silky smooth and packed with warm Middle Eastern spices.

Bacon-wrapped crabmeat balls with sherry, lemon juice, dry mustard, and fresh bread crumbs broiled until crispy. An elegant appetizer that makes about 2 dozen bite-sized hors d'oeuvres.

Belgian endive leaves filled with whipped cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, piped into elegant rosettes. A make-ahead appetizer that looks stunning on any party platter.

Fiery salsa: fresh pico de gallo with ten jalapenos, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime, and lemon. Made ahead and chilled overnight for the bold heat to develop fully.